WiFi Master (formerly WiFi Master Key[2]) is a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi sharing mobile application software for free Wi-Fi access developed by LinkSure Network.[3] It uses cloud computing, big data and principles of the sharing economy.[4][5][6]
[7] The company's founder and CEO, Chen Danian, was previously CEO and co-founder of Shanda.[8]
WiFi Master was first released in 2012, and by 2016 had become the world’s largest Wi-Fi sharing app, with over 900 million users and 520 million monthly active users.[9][10]
In terms of combined iOS and Android app downloads, WiFi Master is ranked 5th in the world, after WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger.[11][12] WiFi Master is the 3rd largest software app in China after WeChat and Tencent QQ.[13]
History
WiFi Master was created by Chen Danian in hopes of 'bridging the digital divide and to help people achieve self-actualization by granting them access to free Internet'.[14]
Chen Danian shared in an interview with Forbes that 'he was born into poverty in rural China, and using the Internet, he realized that it was a tool to change destinies and pursue happiness by exploring opportunities'.[15]
In September 2012, WiFi Master was first launched in China.[16]
In 2015, its operating company, LinkSure closed its A round funding of USD $52 million, and became a unicorn company in the mobile internet industry.[17] In May 2015, LinkSure bought the domain name wifi.com and established a branch in Singapore to expand its overseas services. WiFi Master was launched worldwide, rapidly gaining popularity in Southeast Asia.[18]
[19]
In 2016, WiFi Master became the world’s largest WiFi sharing community, providing over 4 billion daily average connections with a successful connection rate of over 80% worldwide.[20] WiFi Master is available in 223 countries, and is the top Tools app on the Google Play Store in 49 countries.[21][22]
In 2019, WiFi Master Key rebranded as WiFi Master.[23]
Features
WiFi Search
The application's core function, Wifi Search, allows for users to find and connect to available nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.[24]
WiFi Security Matrix
WiFi Master introduced an all-round WiFi Security Matrix for heightened security during the connection.[25]
Before connection
WiFi Master designed a Cloud Security Detection System (Chinese: 安全云感知系统) to help users detect possible Wi-Fi security risks in advance based on big data tracking. The system also applies machine learning algorithms in real-time to track predicted 'risky' Wi-Fi hotspots.[26]
During connection
WiFi Master developed a Security Tunnel Protection System (Chinese: 安全隧道保护系统) to provide users with fundamental protection during each Wi-Fi connection. The system uses encrypted hierarchical transmission, malicious attack real-time monitoring, and attack interception to encrypt users’ information.[27]
After connection
Since September 2015, WiFi Master’s users in China have been insured by WiFi Security Insurance (WiFi安全险), launched by LinkSure in partnership with ZhongAn Insurance (Chinese: 众安保险), in the event of a network security issue.[28]
Discover News Feed
WiFi Master features a news feed in the app for users to browse content upon getting connected online.
WiFi tools
In-built tools like WiFi speed tests and WiFi signal tests are also included in the app.
WiFi Map
In 2016, WiFi Master introduced a WiFi Map function in the app for users to find open hotspots.[29]
Awards
WiFi Master won the “Product with the Most Growth” at the 2017 iResearch Awards in June 2017.[30]
